Overboard To Win

March 30, 1989

The America's Cup competition last September was no match. Now it's no glory for the San Diego Yacht Club that bested the New Zealanders. The Stars & Stripes, an ultralight catamaran, easily skunked the more conventional monohull from down under. A New York court, charged with overseeing this century-old competition, has ruled that the race was unfair and has ordered the American team to forfeit the prize.

It's easy to see how the judge could rule against the catamaran. The twin-hull design gives the craft incredible stability without the heavy lead keel required of the monohull. The catamaran's sailing weight is only 6,000 pounds, as opposed to the 60,000 pounds of the other boat. And while the New Zealanders needed 40 people to crew their yacht, the catamaran could do with half a dozen.

In sports competition, players are always striving for the winning edge, that little bit of extra skill, cunning, strength or dexterity that separates the champ from the challengers. In sailing, the racer's edge has been lighter hulls that are scientifically engineered to increase speed.

But much too often these days, those who compete in sports are willing to cross that line between what's fair and what's expedient. The desire to win at all cost has resulted in shameful incidents ranging from steroid use to recruiting violations.

By going overboard, the team of the Stars & Stripes violated the spirit of the competition and tarnished the cup. The catamaran won the race but lost the honor.